Asia Books

Sangat menarik! Very interesting! berisi foto foto tua Jakarta dari Abad 17; 18; 19 dan 20.

Sangat bagus dan buku ini boleh dianggap sebagai BUKU ACUAN deh!..

TOP BANGET!

I'm an "amateur" collector of Dutch-Indies photo books, and have a number of photo books mainly in the Dutch language. Aside from the famous Woodbury-Page classic book on the old photographs of Java, this is perhaps the only other substantial English language photo-book on old Batavia in the 19th century.

The book is well organized, according to how an old Batavia resident might view the city. The four parts of the book cover the four major parts of the city Batavia of the 19th Century. These are Downtown Batavia, Molenvliet (Jl. Gajah Mada & Hayam Wuruk), Uptown Batavia (Weltevreden area) and Tanjung Priok.

The photographs are page-size and each is accompanied by interesting historical facts, information and quotes from other sources regarding the location in question.

The book is truly a masterpiece and worth every penny.

(Note: I do not know the author, but wish he would do an equivalent treatment of the city of Bandoeng).

For those of us who love books--the sensuous heft of their weight, the feel of the paper, the sheen of a beautifully printed page--this book is a treasure. It's a treasure for more than its physical being: it's a treasure in the way it is written. The text takes the reader on a "time capsule" tour of Old Batavia, making clear sense of the topography and the sociology of this city now lost to modern Djakarta. This was an expensive book, but I don't regret a penny of the purchase price.

Just completed this book. Motivation was a trip to visit Singapore and to learn a little about the history.

Book is an excellent read, with human interest stories all the way through. An extra touch is that the author follows through these human interest stories through to the current day.

The Japanese have landed in Malaya and have started their 400 mile trek south to Singapore. When various officers suggested building defense works on the north side of Singapore Island General Percival vetoed the idea saying that defense works would be bad for morale. Later when the Japanese army initiated its crossing of the narrow straits separating Singapore Island for the Malayan peninsula it was determined that General Yamashita was coordinating the attack from the top of a five story tower attached to the Palace of the Maharajah of Johore. When asked permission to fire on the tower in order to destroy this unique observation post permission was denied. The reason? If the Maharajah's palace was damaged the British government would have to reimburse the Maharajah for the damage after the war.

This book provides a detailed account of that desperate attempt to keep the Japanese from reaching Singapore. Lacking air and naval cover, and led by general officers of questionable ability the British, Indian, and Australian troops fought valiantly, but ultimately lost. It is interesting that Churchill insisted that the army fight to the last man. That directive resulted in about 10,000 casualties for the Allied Forces.

Then follows the account of the brutal occupation of Singapore. Another interesting point is that Korean soldiers in the Japanese army were even more brutal than the Japanese soldiers. While it is inspiring to read of the many heroes who fought hard and endured deprivation and torture at the hand of their conqueror, it is also sad that these men were so poorly led by their generals.


The author has written this historical drama in a fine narrative style. My interest in books like these may differ from the interests of others. I am interested in the psychological and social impact of war, how soldiers and civilians cope with the stresses of war. Why do people make the decisions that they do, and why are some people heroic while others lose their humanity. This book provides this sort of information in some detail. At times I became a bit weary of the detailed account of each battle and skirmish, but then again that is what some readers are looking for. All in all a well rounded account of a great disaster of World War II.

To truly understand a nation you need to understand how it reacts in defeat as well as victory. This is an excellent study of the former by Peter Thomson. Details of the adversaries on all sides of the conflict help to crystalise the thoughts and pervading attitude and atmosphere that both led to and propagated the greatest catastrophe and capitulation in British military history. The author's description of events, of the fighting retreat, tactics (especially of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, Australian regiments and the Anti-tank and Artillery regiments) ,of the mistakes , mis-handling, bungling and lack of foresight, as well as some of the all too short successes is exilarating reading. The many atrocities covered make the ordinary mortal question the inhumanity of the Japanese Army. More balance might have been achieved by expressing more of the enemy military strategy and better maps would have help in the understanding, but this is nevertheless an outstanding historical read. I chose to read the book in parallel with Colin Smiths book Singapore Burning which developed my understanding . The culpability for the debacle was easily discernible through the narrative and politicians in Britain, Australia and Singapore play their part in this. The desertion, at the end , by the Australian commander General Bennett, all bull and bluster, was only counterbalanced by the extreme bravery of Australian and many other nationalities. It's also fair to say that others deserted Singapore by dereliction and were not brought to book. I strongly recommend this book to anybody interested in WW2 history and the fall of an Empire.

Title: Becka and the Big Bubble; Becka goes to India
Format: Children's hardback print
Authors: Gretchen Schomer Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer
Illustrator: Damon Renthrope
ISBN: 978-1-933754-13-0
Published By: Waterside Press
Review By: Diana Rohini LaVigne, Indian Life & Style Magazine

Culturally rich, extraordinarily bubbly and down right fun, Becka goes to India from the Becka and the Big Bubble series is the ultimate childhood story experience. Jumping from one part of India to another, Becka happily immerses herself in Indian's long standing culture. Exploring the Himalayan mountain range to running over the green rolling fields, this books gives young readers a look at one of the most exotic places still on the face of the planet. Introducing readers to key Indian cities, wild animals of India and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Gretchen Schomer Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer drive the story towards having fun and the innocence of discovery. Holiday celebrations, legendary leaders and the beauty of traditional ancient Indian instruments are carefully introduced in a simple to understand format but which delights the readers too.

Illustrations are bold, big and beautifully done. Illustrator Damon Renthrope doesn't hold back anything in bringing to the foreground the wonder in colors that India delivers. Courageous colors skip throughout the pages of the book

With proceeds from the book going towards finding a cure for cancer, these authors and publisher are setting the tone for combining good learning with good cause. Becka goes to India from the Becka and the Big Bubble series is one of a powerful series of rhyming picture books that teach and inspire youthful readers. It's the one book that even parents will enjoy rereading every night to their children.

We have the whole series of the Becka and the Big Bubble books and my daughter loves them. Books that rhyme are a big hit with her right now and I love all of the fun words like "flippity-free" and "pippity-pop." And, I also like that I am introducing her to new places and new cultures, even at her young age. A definite hit at our house!

This is our favorite book.....we love the series so much that we bought them all. The bubble is a hit with the kids!!!!

A superb book. Drawing from her life experience, the author gives vivid picture of people's life along China's Yangtze River. The construction of the super-dam will greatly alter people's life there. We should thank the author for recording, thus preserving the past that will be gone forever. Scholars, especially scholars of China Studies would get detailed description of the daily life of Chinese people. Travellers would also find the book useful. The author was among the first group of foreigners who worked and travelled in China after 1976. Thus, her story is really invaluable since not many foreigners had the chance to witness China around 1980. Overall, the book is informative and insightful. Wonderful work.

December, 2, 2002. I just returned from my first trip to China which included 4 days cruising through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. My good fortune was having this wonderfully and scholarly written book by Ms Chetham.

This book was invaluable to me because it gave me a full perspective of China, it's people, it's culture, and it's economic development. With this book as my traveling companion along with 43 good friends from San Francisco our group visited Beijing, Xian, Chongching,350 miles of the Yangtze River, Wuhan, Shanghai, & Souzhou. In each locale we had english speaking guides who were born and raised in the area. The combination of the local input, our observations, and readings from this book created a "trip of a lifetime" for me.

If you plan to visit China this book is a must.

This book encompasses the history of the Yangtze, as a history major I enjoyed learning about the history pertaining the Yangtze. Moreover, it discusses the political motives behind the construction of the dam. Also, this book addresses the social as well as environmental costs of TGD. It is a great book for students, travelers, environmentalists, historians, and those who have an interest in China.

I found this book tremendously helpful before my first visit to Beijing. It gives perspecitve for all vsitors to the city and puts Beijing in the context of the history of China. Easy to read for the nonacademic, I found this essential to a full appreciation of this remarkable city.

You are in for a treat! To understand China one must understand Beijing. While written by academics it is highly accessible to the lay public - it is MUST READ for anyone who has ever visited Beijing or is contemplating a visit. The photos and color plates are fascinating. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the culture, food, customs and the multi layered history of Beijing and of China - it also provides a nuanced view of urban planning gone awry in one of the fastest changing cities on the planet.

This is a great reference book for historians doing research or for anyone who wants to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. The book leads you from Beijing's rise as an imperial capital city to its emergence as an Olympic City. Although Beijing's history is long and complicated, the authors have succeeded in the difficult task of putting so much information into a book yet keeping it succinct, interesting, and easy to follow. The fascinating stories of ordinary residents add a personal touch to the book, while the pictures revive many details of the past.

I have been to Beijing many times. But after reading the book, I felt like wanting to go back right away to find out more about this capital city.

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of traditional (upper-middle class) Bengali women and their families. Roy presents a thorough analysis of the dynamics of extended family life in West Bengal. She begins with an exploration of the special bonds that develop between father and daughter, then moves on to how schooling and classic literature play a role in developing a young woman's idyllic view of married life. Later she contrasts that ideal with the reality of being a stranger competing with one's mother-in-law for the attentions of one's husband, and how this is tempered with the birth of children, especially sons. Finally, she discusses middle age and the later years, when the children have grown and women seek companionship from their sons or religious personages. In some respects, the dynamics that Roy describes here are probably generally found in any culture with a strong tradition of patrilineal extended families. Other aspects of life, particularly religious life, are more unique to Hindu and Bengali culture. The book was originally written some 30 years ago, and certainly there have been many changes in Bengali culture during this time. But even as a window into Bengali family life of the recent past, it a very interesting and well written study.

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of traditional (upper-middle class) Bengali women and their families. Roy presents a thorough analysis of the dynamics of extended family life in West Bengal. She begins with an exploration of the special bonds that develop between father and daughter, then moves on to how schooling and classic literature play a role in developing a young woman's idyllic view of married life. Later she contrasts that ideal with the reality of being a stranger competing with one's mother-in-law for the attentions of one's husband, and how this is tempered with the birth of children, especially sons. Finally, she discusses middle age and the later years, when the children have grown and women seek companionship from their sons or religious personages. In some respects, the dynamics that Roy describes here are probably generally found in any culture with a strong tradition of patrilineal extended families. Other aspects of life, particularly religious life, are more unique to Hindu and Bengali culture. The book was originally written some 30 years ago, and certainly there have been many changes in Bengali culture during this time. But even as a window into Bengali family life of the recent past, it a very interesting and well written study.

A Wonderful book that details a Bengali (India) woman's life from birth to death. An enjoyable and informative read. By interviewing many Bengali women, the author gave amazing detail into what it is like to be a woman in Calcutta, by illuminating the subject's feelings, experiences, rituals and secrets. Manisha Roy also offers an update in the back of the book that chronicals the many changes that have happened since she first published the book some twenty years ago. The book gives a timeless glimpse into the private world of Bengali women. Subject range: Sociology/Women's Studies/Anthropology/Indian Cultural Studies, some photos. Highly reccomended!

From what I've read of reviews and from what I know of the content of this beautifully written biography of a father by his son.

"Beyond the Stone Arches" is the gripping story of a pioneer missionary doctor who served for four decades in a mission station deep in the interior of Fujian province. Each chapter could stand alone, for the scene changes from Imperial China to the shaky, new Republic in 1911, to civil wars, banditry, floods, plague and cholera epidemics - but through it all, Edward Bliss, Jr. tells the story of his father's daily work, his love for China and its people, his ventures such as raising milk cows so children could have milk, and his courage in the face of danger from Communist guerrillas, bandit gangs and rampant warlords. The book reads like an autobiography, for the author draws heavily on his own extensive interviews with his father and his father's letters, plus the author's own memories of childhood in pre-modern China. This is not a stereotype "missionary book!"

This is a wonderfully written account of a missionary's life in early 20th century China. Both educational and entertaining. Well worth the reader's time. Ed Bliss does the subject exquisite justice.

This is a superb book with easily readable text, tragic photos, and compelling stories. It has sections that alternatively focus on different geographic locations, animals, and types of problems. It also discusses some of the history of the wildlife trade.

If there is a downside, it is that the book is depressing because of the scale of destruction going on. In fact, the wildlife trade is one of the largest underground markets, second only to the drug trade. But the book is a great attempt to shed more light on this dark subject.

The books' title speaks for itself. It is very well done and includes spectacular images, which, unfortunately are often disturbing to look at (not too graphic though). Considering the nature of the book, it is still a phenomenal read with great insight. Also, the foward is written by Jane Goodall and she just kicks a$$!!

Another book to definitely check out (and couldn't recommend any other book more) is "Priceless: The Vanishing Beauty of a Fragile Planet" by Bradley Trevor Greive. It's a book that everyone should have.

Black Market is resoundingly successful in portraying the scale of the trade in endangered species in Asia - its roots, its cancerous growth and its callousness. Equally importantly, it shows how and why the trade can exist.

What makes the book exceptional is that it is written not by an angry protester, but by a skilled journalist intent on telling the story as it is, and as accurately as possible. The book's author is not only a widely recognized photographer and journalist, but also a hard nosed economist with decades of experience in Asia. That he has managed to penetrate this black market, and emerge not only with gripping accounts of the trade but with photographs of it and the crucial local understanding to interpret its lifelines, makes for an educating read.

Through a predominant use of black and white photography, the author ties the present to the past, and living traditions to ancient culture. Monochrome images portray a black trade. Colour, what we stand to lose.

I have bought this book twice and through cross country moves I have unfortunately lost both copies. It is a true tradegy to me that it is out of print. It is a sterling example of bravery, discrimination, and heart in a "tell it like it is" format. It should be required reading.

This is simply the best book written by an American about war. Mr. Terry interviewed grunts who more often than not had been to Hell and the book captures the flailing, coughing evil of the place. Terry avoids the B.S. that goes with military ambition. His men were Black soldiers with no sense of "pro patria mori" and varying loyalty to the greater patriotic cause. This book is a dead-down opposite to William Manchester's "American Caesar," a first-rate biography of Douglas MacArthur, who is deservedly revered as a courageous soldier and brilliant general. Terry's "Oral History" reaches down into our humanity and finds a core of emotion that must have been with us when we lived in caves, fearing wild beasts. ****** The challenge is finishing "Bloods." Hell is impossible to visit; "Bloods" is as close as you're going to get. ****** This reviewer carries a VA "purple card."

Racism in the American military helped to prevent American political objectives in Vietnam from becoming a reality. The enemy exploited white racism to the point it divided our forces and reduced our military ability to exert its full capabilities... too many Americans left the Constitution at home. "Bloods" tells it like it is. A superb collection. I applaud it.

The Bora Boys And The Last Big Door is fantastic children's picturebook by Michael J. Feeney about two young boys who meet the ghost of an old sailor in the attic. When the ghost learns that one of the boys was adopted from Cambodia, he takes them both on a special naptime trip to see the Cambodia of old, during Khmer New Year, a time of great celebration, oxcart races, and festive foods. The come home from the dream remembering their adventure, and knowing a little more about a land so far away. The colorful illustrations by John Devaney add a dreamlike quality to this warm and delightful story about connecting to one's roots and experiencing new things.

This book has changed the life of my family - what a delight to have a children's book that so opens our minds - We can't wait for the next one from Mr. Feeney!! Please, please, continue working with Mr. Devaney as your illustrator!! Outstanding artwork - where have you both been!! My five year old loves it - Although the suggested ages are 9-12...this children's book is enjoyed, I would say, by ages 5-12.

This book is awesome. The first book relating to adoption of a boy from Cambodia. Hurray! Plus, it is not mushy-really an adventure book.

Have fun with the voices and read it to your little one. I thought my 3 yo would get bored with it being a lot of words and more for older kids. He LOVED it and made it through the whole thing. (Secretly, I loved it too.)